By Jagmohan Singh Barhok

Born 19 July 1827 at Nagwa in the Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh, Mangal Pandey is believed to be one of the first freedom fighters who dared to rise against the might of the British Regime. He was the key figure in the mutiny of 1857 also called ‘the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857’ . Mangal Pandey joined the Bengal Army in 1849. He was the first to ignite a revolution against the British Regime. Was executed on 8 April, 1857. Salutations to the Great Martyr.

A film, highlighting his life & works titled “Mangal Pandey: The Rising” was released in 2005 featuring Aamir Khan , Rani Mukerji, Aamisha Patel Kirron Kher , Toby Stephens, Varsha Usgaonkar, Shrirang Godbole & Tom Alter . Aamir plays Mangal Pandey. It was directed by Ketan Mehta & jointly produced by Ketan Mehta & Deepa Sahi. It was a successful film at the box office.